Page 15 - Demo

Senior Times - March 2026 Page 151150 East Michigan Ave.Battle Creek, MI 49014Medical Care Facility269-962-5458Adult Day Care269-962-1750Learn more at ccmcf.comLong-Term Care Adult Day CareShort-Term Care & Rehabiliationfacebook.com/CalhouncountyMCF50 Sanderson LaneColdwater, MI 49036517.279.9587Maple-Lawn.orgAward-Winning | 5-Star RatedRev. Dr. James Gysel, Special to Senior TimesMATTERS FaithBEGIN! THE REST IS EASY!What have you been putting off doing in your life? I%u2019m sure there%u2019s something you%u2019ve been wanting to do, but for some reason haven%u2019t yet been able to bring yourself to do it. It may be as simple as saying a word to a person or as complex as writing a book or building a house.The answer to this dilemma, like most issues in life, can be found in the treasures of the Bible, specifically in the story of the Israelite people that%u2019s recorded in some of the leastread Hebrew Scriptures of Ezra and Nehemiah. The %u201cCliff-Notes%u201d version of this answer is that Ezra (priest) and Nehemiah (common man) were part of the Israel community that had been taken into captivity, but were now released and charged by God, and given permission by the current authorities to rebuild the Temple back home in Jerusalem. A daunting task to say the least, not to mention the complaining of the people who had come back to do the job with them after nearly four generations of being away from the Temple that had been razed to the ground by the Babylonians in 586 BC.Nehemiah was not someone with a lot of authority in this dilemma, but he was a person who had the power to influence others%u2026 so much so that through his prayerful discernment and encouraging words, the people with him said, %u201cLet%u2019s start building!%u201d (Nehemiah 3:18) and they did! Not only did they begin, they finished the job step by step!You see the hardest part of any task is to begin. The rest is easy! (Others have said that, %u201cWell-begun is half-done.%u201d) And I%u2019ve found this to be true in my own life whether it%u2019s preparing a meal in the kitchen, preparing to write a doctoral thesis or coming up with an idea for this column.I%u2019ve found that somehow there%u2019s an amazing thing that happens when I release control of situations into God%u2019s hands, but am willing to take the first step when the time is right. Why don%u2019t I do this more I ask myself? Because I%u2019m distracted, blinded, and a limited human on my own. But in remembering my God-connection (which really is my life-line), it%u2019s possible to accomplish most everything He has for me to do.So what have you been called to do, but have been putting off for any number of reasons? Maybe a spiritual discipline of daily prayer or daily scripture reading to deepen your walk with God? Or maybe it%u2019s about listening to God. Maybe its about mending or beginning a relationship with someone else. Whatever it is, remember to check with God first, and then, %u201cBegin! The rest is easy!%u201d~ Faithfully yours, Jim GyselManaged by Kauhale Health2251 Springport Rd.Jackson, MI 49202(517) 787-0222www.vistagrandevilla.comNow Leasing for All LevelsAt Vista Grande Villa, we are devoted to the exceptional lifestyle and care that our families have come to know and trust. We take satisfaction in hiring, training, and retaining employees who have a love of seniors. Together we are providing more than a job, we are growing a culture, a place we are proud to call home.Come find out what it means to live Grande. %u2022 Independent Living%u2022 Assisted Living%u2022 Memory Care%u2022 Health & Rehabilitation%u2022 Skilled NursingCall (517) 787-0222or scan the QR code to learn more about Vista Grande Villa today.Discover The Grande DifferenceVISTA GRANDE VILLAwww.henryfuneralhome.org %u2022 269-962-5191Snowbirds...If death occurs 75 or more miles away from home, Sepio Guard will take care of all costs, logistics, and transportation needed to get your body back home.%u2022 Worldwide Coverage%u2022 Lifetime Protection%u2022 No Dollar Limits%u2022 No Age Limits%u2022 No Deductibles%u2022 Payment Options AvailableBuilding SocialConnections Matters By: Sherii Sherban, PublisherPeople with meaningful social connections experience benefits, such as:%u2022 Less stress.%u2022 Better sleep.%u2022 Longer, healthier life.Making social connections can be hard, especially if you are in poor health, having problems with money, or living alone. But a few small acts of connection can build supportive, meaningful relationships. Make time in your routine to contact others who care about you. There is power in a simple check-in with a friend to let them know you're thinking about them. Don't let screen time distract you from connecting with people in person.Create a broad network of support by reaching out to different people. A good way to get started is by joining a group with shared interests to create a sense of belonging. Consider volunteering with a group or organization, getting involved in your community, or simply getting to know your neighbors. Spend more quality time with family and friends. Find ways to be responsive, supportive, and grateful to others. When you develop new and stronger relationships it can improve health and well-being.